Metta World Peace Hails Tyrese Haliburton’s Jordan-Like Playoff Surge in 2025
NBA legend Metta World Peace is singing the praises of Tyrese Haliburton after his sensational 2025 playoff run. Declaring Haliburton “supernova” and likening his dominance to Michael Jordan, Metta says the Pacers star is redefining superstardom on basketball’s biggest stage.
Tyrese Haliburton has been instrumental in transforming the league’s landscape during the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The Indiana Pacers’ floor general has exceeded expectations, winning hearts and turning heads in basketball. Former Pacers forward Metta World Peace boldly compared Haliburton’s playoff brilliance to Michael Jordan, which may have been the most emphatic or surprising praise.
“Supernova Mode”: Metta World Peace on Haliburton’s Historic Surge
In a candid moment of admiration, Metta World Peace did not hold back:
“Yeah, I think Haliburton is having an epic run. This run is like Michael Jordan. Haliburton is probably more like Michael Jordan now than SGA, which is crazy. I just thought SGA was that dude. But Haliburton—legendary, superstar overnight. I mean, he’s always been a star, but right now? This is a different level. He’s been a good player, but never a superstar. Right now, he’s supernova. He’s untouchable. He’s the best in the playoffs right now.”
These words are not meant to be taken lightly. It’s attention-grabbing when a seasoned NBA veteran known for his gritty defense and championship pedigree compares himself to the greatest.
From Consistent Starter to Playoff Alpha: The Evolution of Haliburton
Haliburton’s growth did not happen overnight. In the last two years, he has developed from a promising young playmaker into a high-IQ offensive engine for the Indiana Pacers. His 2025 postseason performance has elevated him to a rarefied tier of players who dominate all aspects of the game. During the initial rounds of the 2025 NBA playoffs, Tyrese Haliburton had an average of 18.5 points, 9.5 assists, and 5.9 rebounds in 17 games.
Beyond the stats, it’s the command with which he runs the offense. His poise under pressure, timely mid-range, dagger threes, and surgical manipulation of defenders are impressive. According to CBS Sports, that causes fans and analysts to invoke the names of Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
“He Wanted It “: Metta Speaks on Haliburton’s Relentless Drive
Metta World Peace acknowledged that desire is the trait that defines greatness and continued to praise it.
“Like Halliburton, he wanted it. Nobody expected this from Haliburton. He wanted it, he won it, and it’s like—you know, if you want it more than somebody else, that makes all the difference.”
NBA.com recently ranked Haliburton’s most impressive moment of these playoffs, including the game-winner in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
1. Game-Winning Jumper with 0.3 Seconds Left vs. Oklahoma City
The Game: 2025 NBA Finals, Game 1
Opponent: Oklahoma City Thunder
The Moment: Despite trailing by 15 in the fourth quarter and still down nine with less than three minutes to play, Indiana came back to win. Haliburton took the inbound and called his number after the Thunder clung to a one-point lead with 7 seconds left. Haliburton crossed the midcourt, shifted right, and rose for a 21-foot pull-up jumper when facing Cason Wallace on defense. Splash. 0.3 seconds left. The Pacers took their first lead of the game. This was the Pacers’ fifth comeback from 15 or more points this postseason, making it the latest first lead taken in an NBA Finals game since tracking began in 1971. Haliburton’s postseason is highlighted by a game-winning performance in their Finals debut.
2. Game-Tying Jumper at the Buzzer vs. New York Knicks
The Game: Eastern Conference Finals, Game 1
Opponent: New York Knicks
The Moment: The Pacers were down 14 with less than three minutes left, as Madison Square Garden and Madison Square Garden were rocking. However, Indiana reclaimed the lead. With 7.2 seconds remaining and no timeouts, Haliburton took the inbound against Mikal Bridges, who was almost forced to make a turnover. Haliburton recovered the loose ball near the arc and shot a deep two-pointer at the buzzer. It bounced off the back rim and soared high, floating above the shot clock before dropping straight through the net. Despite preventing a win, Haliburton’s emotions spilled out, complete with a Reggie Miller-style choke sign, sparking the rivalry. After winning in overtime, Indiana eliminated the Knicks in six games. The garden has an iconic silence.
3. Game-Winning Stepback Three vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Game: Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 2
Opponent: Cleveland Cavaliers
The Moment: Indiana trailed by 20 in the second half and was still down seven with under a minute left. Haliburton got to the line with 12 seconds left and intentionally missed his second free throw. Securing his miss, Haliburton dribbled back, faked a drive to the rim, then calmly stepped back for a high-arching three-pointer from the top of the arc with just 1.1 seconds remaining. With the buzzer-beater, the Pacers were able to take a 2-0 lead against the East’s No. 1 seed. Haliburton’s brave moment added another masterpiece to his growing collection as Indiana won the series in five.
4. Series-Clinching Layup in OT vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Game: First Round, Game 5
Opponent: Milwaukee Bucks
The Moment: Despite trailing by 20 early, Indiana fought back and forced overtime After Milwaukee surged ahead in overtime, Haliburton led a furious final-minute comeback Haliburton scored a layup with 1.3 seconds left after a crucial Bucks turnover with 11 seconds left, and met Giannis Antetokounmpo at the rim It sealed the Pacers’ second straight first-round win over the Bucks and showed Haliburton’s ice-cold nerves against one of the league’s greatest defenders Although his other game-winners were more dramatic, this was the series clincher.
A Supernova Among Stars: Outshining the Competition
Metta World Peace asserts that Haliburton is “more like Michael Jordan now than SGA.”
The impact is powerful due to the expectations surrounding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) heading into the postseason. Haliburton holds the spotlight despite SGA being the 2024-25 MVP. While both guards are spectacular, Haliburton’s leadership, efficiency, and clutch ability have set him apart.
Haliburton has a unique ability to effortlessly control the pace, combining a high basketball IQ with the courage to take and make big shots. He can remain lethal because of his mental toughness and versatility as a scorer or facilitator.
A Superstar Born in Indiana
After years of searching for a cornerstone player after Paul George and Victor Oladipo, Haliburton has filled and exceeded the gap. He brought Swagger back to Indianapolis. Fans are wearing his number. 0 jersey with pride, and suddenly, Gainbridge Fieldhouse is a feared venue again. Haliburton’s rise has rejuvenated the Indiana Pacers’ image, which has placed them in the conversation with the NBA’s elite. He has demonstrated the ability to be the top player on a Finals-contending team, which is only attainable by certain NBA players.
Can Haliburton Finish the Job?
The stakes get higher with each playoff win. Metta World Peace’s comparisons to Michael Jordan bring compliments and challenges, putting Haliburton under a microscope that few can handle. If he maintains his current form and accumulates clutch moments and iconic performances, a Finals appearance — or even a championship — is not too far off. Tyrese Haliburton’s name will be synonymous with the greats if he wins a championship.
